Apple Watch only works with an iPhone and it’s the best smartwatch on the market right now. It’s long been wondered why Apple hasn’t ‘simply’ made the Watch available to Android phone users to control a significant chunk of the other side of the market. Now we know.
More: Bloomberg
Apple’s Project Fennel was aimed precisely with that goal in mind – to clean up in the Android space. The project was reported to be in an advanced state of readiness but was cancelled for ‘business reasons’.
The concern was that a move into Android would make the Watch less valuable to iPhone users and might stop people from moving from Android Phones to iPhones. Apple is and has always been extremely keen to protect its iPhone business and the iMessage service that is integral to its success there.
That’s it. It is as simple as that. Now we know.
Thoughts
My takeaway here for the future is that, if true, this report shows that Apple can readily move the Watch into the Android space if it changes its mind. It’s almost certainly done most of the groundwork and it probably wouldn’t take much over a year of software tweaks for Watch to support an Android phone.
Looking backwards you can see how Apple’s decision has made complete sense as the money rolled in. However, there are currently issues with selling iPhones in China and sales of iPhone 15 have not been as stellar as the company hoped. Apple is not in difficulty but, hey, most corporates want a bit more of our money at every possible turn.
The Android Apple Watch is the ace up Apple’s sleeve that can be played if things get tough.
Don’t expect to see one any time soon. But never say never.
This post is part of the Apple Watch guide for endurance sport on this site, which covers the full lineup, watchOS, accuracy data, the medical roadmap, and the complete set of articles.
Last Updated on 27 May 2026 by tfk the5krunner
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Kineon MOVE+: Red light therapy for niggles. It works.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
As an Android user, my dream device would be something like a Garmin Fenix running a cut down WearOS on a hyper efficient RISC-V SOC. Give me all of Garmin’s current metrics, plus LTE, Androids apps, a week long battery and you’ve got a killer product.